Pope denounces terrorism and war

After weeks of talks and contacts with politicians and diplomats to press the Vatican’s opposition to a pre-emptive military strike against Iraq, the Pope today took his case to all those who believe in God, and voiced his worry that war could unsettle the entire Middle East.

Pope John Paul II, looking wan and tired, opened his traditional Sunday remarks from his studio window overlooking St Peter’s Square by denouncing war as a way to resolve the conflict.